Pasay City celebrates Pride Month with vibrant Rainbow Parade
Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano leads around 2,000 participants during Pasay City's Rainbow Parade in celebration of Pride Month. (Photo from Facebook page of Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano)
Around 2,000 members of the LGBTQIA+ community and their supporters joined the colorful Rainbow Parade as the Pasay City government celebrated Pride Month on Wednesday, June 24.
Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano led the annual parade, which featured six decorated floats and participants in vibrant costumes as they toured major roads across the city.
Rubiano said the Rainbow Parade aims to recognize the achievements, talents, and significant contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community in building a more progressive, inclusive, and compassionate society.
The parade commenced at around 3 p.m., with participants passing through Tramo Street and EDSA before proceeding along Arnaiz Avenue, Roxas Service Road, and Derham Street.
One of the highlights of the celebration was the Ms. Gay Pasay Tourism pageant held at the Cuneta Astrodome, where candidates showcased their beauty, talent, confidence, and advocacy for equality and inclusion.
In the competition, Twinkle Marie del Plaza of Malibay placed third and received P5,000 in cash prizes, while Kaylie Putuhan of Tramo secured second place and won P10,000. Juliana Parizcova of Padre Burgos was named first runner-up and received P20,000.
The coveted Ms. Gay Pasay Tourism 2025 crown went to Barbie Alvarez of Villamor, who took home P30,000 in cash prizes.
As part of the Pride Month activities, the city also conducted a lecture on the Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression (SOGIE) Ordinance to raise awareness about LGBTQIA+ rights and promote efforts to prevent discrimination.
Rubiano emphasized that the annual celebration serves as a platform to strengthen support for diversity, human rights, and equal opportunities while encouraging respect and understanding among all residents, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.